New Mexico, June 2018

Our astrophotography group headed back down to Northern New Mexico again this year for a week of imaging under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. Unfortunately, our luck with the weather gods finally ran out on this trip, and after the first couple days, we struggled to image anything for the last 3/4 of the trip under skies that stayed clouded over very far into the early morning. The forecast approach of a tropical depression storm finally put an end to the trip a couple of days early.

The less than perfect imaging weather did open up the chance for some scenic shooting during the day however, and a trip up Highway 84 to the nearby Ghost Ranch area produced some nice views.

Ghost Ranch Rocks
Clouds and sun play across the rock cliffs along Highway 84 near Ghost Ranch, in New Mexico.
Chimney Rock Trail
Chimney Rock looms in the distance at the start of Chimney Rock Trail, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.
Ghost Ranch Storm
The clouds darken and rain begins to fall in the distance, coming back down the Chimney Rock Trail, above Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.
The 'Gang of 4'
Our 'Gang of 4' astrophotographers assemble at the end of another Starfest trip. From left: Mike, Dan, Frank, and Bruce

Color In The Desert
Along the road in to our rented houses, blooming cactus adds some much needed color to the overall look of the desert surroundings, with Cerro Pedernal, the distinctive flat topped mountain, in the background.